The nurse is assisting with the discharge of a client who will be taking narcotics at home for 1 week. What should the nurse include when teaching the client about this medication?
1. Methods to prevent constipation
2. Slowly decrease the dose at home.
3. Stop the medication if desired.
4. Exercise caution when driving.
Answer: 1
1. Narcotics slow down the intestines, and can cause constipation, so the nurse teaches the client preventative measures.
2. The client should contact the nurse or physician for assessment before decreasing the medication dose.
3. The client should be cautioned against stopping the drug, because a narcotic is prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Stopping the medication makes it more difficult to achieve relief when pain returns.
4. The client should be instructed about basic safety when taking narcotics, which includes no driving.
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